relaxation
Here are five tips for reducing stress so you can face your small business challenges with a clear mind.

1. Learn to Meditate

App: Calm – Meditate, Sleep, Relax
iPhone and Android, free

The narrator of the app trains you to quiet your thoughts, relax your shoulders, and focus on your breathing. The mindful breaks are 20 minutes long, but if you are crunched for time there is a 2 minutes of stillness option. When you access the program on the computer, it will freeze your mouse and keyboard.

2. Use Pressure Points

App: Acupressure: Heal Yourself
iPhone and Android $1.99

The app provides a downloadable handbook that teaches you how to use pressure on your skin to help release muscle tension and promote the circulation of blood flow. In addition to individual pressure points, the app offers over 90 combinations of pressure points so you can target ailments such as headaches or breathing trouble.

3. Journal

App: WorryBox
iPhone and Android, free

This app aims to reduce anxiety through “cognitive journaling”. Follow the app’s guiding questions to write down your thoughts and assess how you are handling problems. An audio coach and coping statements help you get past stressful events.

4. Retreat

App: Mindbody Connect
iPhone and Android, free

Use this app to find nearby wellness centers — yoga studios, meditation retreats, and pampering spas. There are tens of thousands of services rated by users all over the world. You can sign up and pay for them directly through the app, and even catch exclusive deals.

5. Try Aromatherapy

Rather than an app, here are suggestions for 5 powerful scents you can purchase at fragrance stores that have the ability to calm.

Bergamot — The oils from this fruit bearing tree induce relaxation. A recent Taiwanese study found that bergamot lowered heart rate and blood pressure.

Sandalwood — This incense can both calm you down and improve your attentiveness.

Mandarin — Citrus essential oils lift mood and improve mental clarity. Use in spray form to mist the room to energize your mornings.

Lemongrass — Breathe in lemongrass to soothe nerves. Spray on pillows and linens to help you fall asleep more quickly.

Grapefruit — Keep this bright, invigorating scent at your desk. It may help deactivate the brain’s fight-or-flight mechanism, which reduces stress.

If you had to choose at least one of these tips to try tomorrow, which one would you choose?